Ready. Steady. Eat! According to Alpen Capital’s latest report, food consumption across the GCC is set to grow by 4.6 million MT over the next four years by 2029, driven by rising population, increased spending power, and booming tourism.

In the UAE alone, over 85% of food produce is imported—making it one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich markets for global exporters. While governments in the GCC are investing in agri-tech and smart farming to boost local production, import reliance remains high, especially for fresh, organic, clean-label, and nutrient-rich products.

📈 Key trends reshaping demand:

– Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier, fresh, nutrient-rich, organic and “clean label” options.

– Convenience and tech-enabled services — think online delivery, cloud – kitchens and health apps — are becoming central to how food is consumed.

– Governments in the region are pushing to reduce reliance on food imports via investments in vertical farming, hydroponics, smart agriculture and food security strategies. 

As local production gradually increases, imported products must evolve to stand out through quality, branding, and specialization, particularly in premium and niche segments.

For international food and beverage companies, this signals a great opportunity to tap into a high-growth market that’s actively seeking premium, health-conscious, and tech-enabled solutions.

If you’re looking to expand into the GCC or the broader Middle East market, we are here to support your market entry, distributor search, and strategic growth and connect you with some of the major players in the F&B sector in the region. Let’s unlock your potential in one of the world’s most import-driven food markets.